Tuscaloosa lawmaker picked for powerful post

State Rep. Bill Poole, a Tuscaloosa Republican who represents District 63, on Aug. 1 will become chairman of the Alabama Legislature's influential Ways and Means Education Committee.

File | Tuscaloosa News

By Ashley ChaffinStaff Writer

Published: Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 10:11 p.m.

State Rep. Bill Poole, a Tuscaloosa Republican who represents District 63, on Aug. 1 will become chairman of the Alabama Legislature's influential Ways and Means Education Committee.

“I'm certainly excited and honored to be trusted with that position,” Poole said Wednesday. “It is a very important position for our state. I'm also humbled and ready to get to work.”

State Rep. Mike Hubbard, an Auburn Republican who serves as speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, appointed Poole to the powerful post on Tuesday.

The Ways and Means Education Committee creates Alabama's education budget and presents the plan to the House for consideration. The nearly $6 billion budget provides funding for K-12 schools, community colleges and public universities, according to a news release.

Poole, who has been a member of the committee since he was first elected to the Legislature in 2010, will replace state Rep. Jay Love, a Montgomery Republican. Love announced his resignation from the House of Representatives last week.

“I think they're very big (shoes) to fill,” Poole said about replacing Love. “Over the last few years while he's been the chairman and I've been a member of the committee, we've had to grapple with some difficult budget decisions due to the economic downturn we've faced. Under his leadership, we've gotten the budget on a good solid foundation.”

Poole said his first priority when he takes over the office will be paying back the $437 million the previous Legislature borrowed from the state's “rainy day” fund.

“First and foremost, we have to meet our constitutional obligation to repay the rainy day trust account from which the previous Legislature borrowed over $400 million in 2009 to withstand the financial turndown,” he said. “We have to meet that obligation over the next two budget years.”

Hubbard praised Poole in a news release announcing the appointment.

“Ensuring a quality education for the students of Alabama is our top priority, and I'm confident that under the leadership of Rep. Poole, Alabama teachers and students will continue to get the resources needed to continue to improve education in our state,” Hubbard said. “In his time in the House, Bill has quickly earned the respect of his colleges and proven that he has the skills and know-how required to make the tough decisions this position requires.”

<p>State Rep. Bill Poole, a Tuscaloosa Republican who represents District 63, on Aug. 1 will become chairman of the Alabama Legislature's influential Ways and Means Education Committee.</p><p>“I'm certainly excited and honored to be trusted with that position,” Poole said Wednesday. “It is a very important position for our state. I'm also humbled and ready to get to work.” </p><p>State Rep. Mike Hubbard, an Auburn Republican who serves as speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, appointed Poole to the powerful post on Tuesday. </p><p>The Ways and Means Education Committee creates Alabama's education budget and presents the plan to the House for consideration. The nearly $6 billion budget provides funding for K-12 schools, community colleges and public universities, according to a news release.</p><p>Poole, who has been a member of the committee since he was first elected to the Legislature in 2010, will replace state Rep. Jay Love, a Montgomery Republican. Love announced his resignation from the House of Representatives last week.</p><p>“I think they're very big (shoes) to fill,” Poole said about replacing Love. “Over the last few years while he's been the chairman and I've been a member of the committee, we've had to grapple with some difficult budget decisions due to the economic downturn we've faced. Under his leadership, we've gotten the budget on a good solid foundation.”</p><p>Poole said his first priority when he takes over the office will be paying back the $437 million the previous Legislature borrowed from the state's “rainy day” fund.</p><p>“First and foremost, we have to meet our constitutional obligation to repay the rainy day trust account from which the previous Legislature borrowed over $400 million in 2009 to withstand the financial turndown,” he said. “We have to meet that obligation over the next two budget years.” </p><p>Hubbard praised Poole in a news release announcing the appointment.</p><p>“Ensuring a quality education for the students of Alabama is our top priority, and I'm confident that under the leadership of Rep. Poole, Alabama teachers and students will continue to get the resources needed to continue to improve education in our state,” Hubbard said. “In his time in the House, Bill has quickly earned the respect of his colleges and proven that he has the skills and know-how required to make the tough decisions this position requires.” </p><p>Poole was raised in Marengo County. </p><p>He graduated from the University of Alabama and its law school.</p><p>Reach Ashley Chaffin at ashley.chaffin@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0230.</p>